The Mauritian government has launched a financial assistance plan for the 2026-2027 season, offering a 50% subsidy on the cost of nets to protect fruits from birds and bats. The plan, which runs from October 1 to November 6, 2026, aims to support families and garden owners in safeguarding their fruit trees. The subsidy is available for up to five trees in backyards or 60 trees in orchards.
To be eligible for the subsidy, applicants must submit a completed application form, along with required documents, including a copy of their identity card, a recent utility bill, and proof of ownership for orchards. The nets must be installed when the fruits have reached a diameter of over 5mm, and proper installation is crucial to avoid trapping birds and bats. The Ministry of Agro-industry emphasized the importance of correct installation.
The application forms are available on the Ministry's and Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute's websites, as well as at their extension offices. Interested parties can also obtain information on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 1 pm and 3 pm at designated offices. The government has warned that meeting the conditions does not guarantee the subsidy, and applicants are advised to verify the requirements and submit complete applications.
The plan operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and the government has not specified the total budget allocated for the subsidy. As such, applicants are encouraged to act promptly to avoid missing out on the opportunity. The Ministry of Agro-industry has urged interested parties to check the conditions carefully and submit their applications in a timely manner.
The subsidy covers 50% of the cost of the nets, which can be used to protect letchis, mangoes, longanes, and strawberries. The government has set a limit of five trees per backyard or 60 trees per orchard. The plan aims to support small-scale farmers and garden owners in protecting their crops from damage caused by birds and bats.
Proper installation of the nets is essential to ensure that they are effective in keeping birds and bats away from the fruits. The Ministry of Agro-industry has warned that poorly installed nets can trap these animals, causing unintended harm. Applicants are advised to follow the guidelines provided for correct installation.
The financial assistance plan is part of the government's efforts to support the agricultural sector in Mauritius. By providing a subsidy on fruit protection nets, the government aims to help small-scale farmers and garden owners increase their yields and reduce losses caused by birds and bats. The plan will run until November 6, 2026.
Key points
- The Mauritian government offers a 50% subsidy on fruit protection nets for letchis, mangoes, longanes, and strawberries.
- The subsidy is available for up to five trees in backyards or 60 trees in orchards.
- Applicants must submit required documents and follow guidelines for proper installation of the nets.
